Stef Kamil Carlens & The Poem

Timeless songs brimming with poetry

With THE POEM, Stef Kamil Carlens returns to the essence of the song. Together with Nel Ponsaers and Rahmat Emonds, he reworks his own songs and gems from the singer-songwriter tradition into an intimate and multi-layered concert, carried by harmonies, imagination and pure musical finesse.

In THE POEM, literature, poetry and music blend seamlessly. Carlens’ husky, weathered tenor, Ponsaers’ warm alto and Emonds’ soulful soprano form a close-knit vocal trio. The music is minimalist yet rich in detail, with guitars, bass, violin, mandolin, analogue synths and subtle percussion coming together to create a dreamy, immersive soundscape. Each band member also takes centre stage as a soloist, giving every track its own distinct character and perspective.

Following the exuberant energy of his tour with THE SWOON, Carlens once again explores the vulnerable power of the song. With new work, released on Starman Records, and carefully chosen reworkings, he reaffirms his unique place within the Belgian music scene.

For fans of Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, Bill Callahan, Leonard Cohen and dEUS

The Poem
Stef Kamil Carlens (gitaar, bas, harmonica, keys, zang), Nel Ponsaers (keys, zang), Rahmat Emonds (keys, viool, mandoline, percussie, zang)

Support: Jonas Meersmans

Antwerp-based guitarist and composer Jonas Meersmans brings his own instrumental style to the acoustic guitar, hovering between cinematic and psychedelic fingerpicking. Following his album ‘Glassman’ (2024), which was presented at Gent Jazz and at De Roma, his fourth album is due to be released on Rotkat Records in April 2027.

Whilst the interaction with strings took centre stage on ‘Glassman’, on this new album he has opted for a more layered band sound featuring drums, brass and electric guitars.

An organization of Ha Concerts and Democrazy
photo © Charlie De Keersmaecker